SPOKANE, WA – Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall confirmed Monday that changes are on the way after officers didn’t issue any citations or service referrals as a result of the new citywide camping ban.
The Spokane City Council passed the law in June after the state invalidated a voter-approved measure in April that outlawed camping within 1,000-feet of a school, park or daycare. The court said Spokane could reinstate it via the council, but the progressive majority passed Mayor Lisa Brown’s ban instead.
Her version includes provisions that allow individuals to avoid citations if they move down the street or accept housing and treatment services. It took effect on Aug. 6, and two months later, Hall said his officers have only been able to cite people camping for other offenses, such as assault or trespassing…